I'm a teacher who has commented on the other gift threads. Yes, I appreciated any token, but honestly, after a lot of years of receiving stuff I didn't want, I am happy to give other people ideas on what to give.

I like the PP's summer-themed gift. Some similar gifts I've received were: a pretty beach towel, a reusable water bottle (colors matching the towel), bottle of sunscreen and bug spray, pedicure kit w/nail polishes, beach bag, etc. The combination gifts were great, because there was always something that I could use/liked, even if I didn't like the other parts.

Flowers are always a nice addition to a gift card, or even a small houseplant.

A few cute gifts I've received:
*basil plant, bruschetta and bread crisps (as opposed to fresh bread
*nice pancake mix, seasonal spatula wrapped with ribbon
*nice flavored olive oil
*small plant (even a fresh herb plant) with a note that says, "Thanks for helping ___ grow!"

Here is a pic of the iced tea dispenser idea:

I'm either giving a beach bag or iced tea dispenser stuffed with: flip flops, sunscreen, magazine, beach towel, insulated cup, pack of iced tea (if I do the iced tea dispenser). I got the idea from pinterest. Here are a few pics..






And a link to the iced tea dispenser idea: http://www.pinned-sisters.com/2012/06/end-of-year-teacher-gift.html

I think a gift card is great - but I was hoping we could give something more personal... Any ideas? Maybe something small in addition to a gift card?

I agree with a PP who says negative posts about what teachers want/don't want are likely fake and there to stir the pot. I've also been teaching for close to 20 years in several different settings and I've NEVER heard a teacher complain about any gift! (Although, I was in a school once where a teacher received a "decorative" plate from a family that made reference to "getting stoned" which we got a little chuckle about. However, we even thought that was sweet because it was a family that had limited English and clearly did not understand what was on the plate.)

Don't worry so much!!! Give what you are comfortable giving...even if it's a nice card. Any teacher who is going to snub a gift or judge you for it...didn't deserve a gift in the first place!

Anonymous wrote:A custom stamp? Worst gift ever.

Almost as bad as a coffee mug.

Everyone there and here is saying give cash. Nope.

Anonymous wrote:Eh, see the other thread where teachers don't want this or that....

Give me a break. It's probably a couple of people that said those things. They don't speak for all teachers.

As a teacher (almost 20 years), I'm convinced that many of these negative responses are fake. Most teachers are not going to have this negative and nasty response to any gift.

Eh, see the other thread where teachers don't want this or that....